VehicleVerdict

Volvo XC90 years to avoid

The Volvo XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2015 is the cleanest year on record.

2,221

Total complaints

35

Recall campaigns

2003–2025

Years covered

5

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

XC90 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2004High complaint rate669
2016High complaint rate307
2005High complaint rate304
2003High complaint rate149
2017High complaint rate114

Every XC90 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
2025342
2024523
2023696
2022464
2021566
2020457
2019536
2018643
2017avoid1147
2016avoid3078
201501
201470
2013130
201260
2011301
2010163
2009111
2008443
2007592
2006733
2005avoid3046
2004avoid6696
2003avoid1495

Common questions

What are the worst Volvo XC90 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the XC90 years to avoid are 2004, 2016, 2005, 2003, 2017. The cleanest year on record is 2015.

What is the best year for the Volvo XC90?

By complaint volume, 2015 has the cleanest NHTSA record among XC90 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Volvo XC90 have?

Across all model years, the XC90 has 35 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,221 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.